A stereotype threat occurs:
A) within groups that suffer from negative stereotypes
B) within groups that benefit from positive stereotypes
C) when people believe they are being judged not as individuals but as members of a group
D) when the media project negative images of a particular group of people

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A stereotype threat occurs when someone experiences anxiety or concern about confirming a negative stereotype about their group. This often happens in situations where people believe they are being judged not as individuals but as members of a group. For example, if a woman takes a math test, she may worry that her performance will confirm the stereotype that women are not good at math. In this case, the stereotype threat is occurring within a group that suffers from negative stereotypes. However, it is also possible for stereotype threat to occur within groups that benefit from positive stereotypes (such as Asian Americans and math ability), but the most general and accurate answer is that it occurs when people feel judged as members of a group. The media projecting negative images of a particular group can certainly contribute to stereotype threat, but it is not the only factor involved.

A Stereotype Threat Occurs